Category Archives: Events

Coverage of Concerts, Conventions and Special Events are found here.

Events, Reviews

KISS @ PNC Bank Arts Center (7/20/2004)

Leave a comment

kiss logo

Artist: KISS
Venue: PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ)
Opener: Poison and ZO2
Label: Sanctuary Records
Date: 07-20-2004

KISS Returns once again!!! The “Farewell Tour” has ended and so has the “World Domination Tour”. Now KISS has come back with the “Rock The Nation” tour and the first stop in the Tri-State area was New Jersey’s PNC Arts Center. KISS’ return this time around would be without two of its founding members. Sadly, Lead Guitarist Ace Frehley has been gone for a few years, replaced by Black N Blue’s Tommy Thayer. Most recently, Drummer Peter Criss has been replaced by Eric Singer who fans remember well from a couple of KISS albums in the 90’s (“Revenge” and “Carnival Of Souls”). These guys are decked out in the full costumes and makeup of the founders which I admit bothered me at first since I grew up with this band. However, seeing Tommy play his part as Ace and knowing full well the abilities of Eric Singer I looked past it, and decided to go.
Continue reading KISS @ PNC Bank Arts Center (7/20/2004) →

Events, Reviews

King Diamond @ L’Amour (11/7/2003)

Leave a comment

king diamond logo

Artist: King Diamond
Venue: L’Amour’s (Brooklyn, NY)
Opener:
Label: Metal Blade Records
Date: 11/7/2003

I have to start this off by saying that although I have been a fan of King Diamond and Mercyful Fate for many years that I never ever went to see him perform live. Last night I finally got the chance, and boy was I glad I did this.

Atmospherically, the stage was loaded with amps and each had bones strewn across them. The Road Crew laid a small white casket with the name “Abigail” on it (a popular character theme that has been maintained through many of the King’s albums). Across the casket, several black roses. I think that this was an tribute to his early days band that was called “Black Rose” as well as a suitable stage decoration but I could be wrong. Following the theme of his new CD – “The Puppetmaster”, there was a large puppet onstage.
Continue reading King Diamond @ L’Amour (11/7/2003) →

Events, Reviews

Dokken @ Starland Ballroom (7/9/2004)

Leave a comment

Logo - Dokken

Artist: Dokken
Venue: Starland Ballroom (Sayreville, NJ)
Opener: L.A. Guns
Label: Sanctuary Records
Date: 7/9/2004

I admit I was excited about this show for a couple of reasons. The first was the chance to see two great bands on the same bill; the second was the chance to be at Starland Ballroom once again. Combined with attending with some good buds, how could one go wrong with all these factors?

LA Guns hit the stage with a great set of some of their best numbers. Phil was in great vocal form and Guns Vet Steve Riley was as smooth as ever on the drums. No other originals remain and the band is instead joined by Roxx Gang’s Stacey Blaze and Adam Hamilton. Phil also took some time on the guitar. Phil was clearly enjoying himself as he kept prompting the NY/NJ audience to yell “fuck yeah”. He stressed how great it was to be on tour and to see everyone’s warm reception. Their set was too short if you ask me. While I enjoy drum solos, I feel Steve should not have done one and instead performed a few more tunes. I look forward to seeing a longer set from them in the future.
Continue reading Dokken @ Starland Ballroom (7/9/2004) →

Events, Reviews

Iced Earth @ Starland Ballroom (6/14/2004)

Leave a comment

iced earth logo

Artist: Iced Earth
Venue: Starland Ballroom (Sayreville, NJ)
Opener: Trivium & Beyond The Embrace
Label: SPV Records
Date: 6/14/2004

Normally I would not compose a review for a band that I had just seen very recently. However, this second chance to see Iced Earth perform had a few reasons for getting me to do it. As the Metal World knows by now, Drummer Richard Christy had left the band in the middle of the tour to focus on his interests in comedy. More specific for the Howard Stern radio program which is out of New York. He has since obtained the position, so congrats to him. Jumping into the drum chair was the incredible Bobby Jarzombek (formerly of Halford, Riot, & Pain Museum). Bobby had been in the band a few short weeks but he was a natural fit. Thunderous double bass drumming and solid fills were par for the course this evening. I even saw him providing extra backing vocals when it was needed. A welcome addition to this lineup in my humble opinion.
Continue reading Iced Earth @ Starland Ballroom (6/14/2004) →

Events, Reviews

Iron Maiden @ Madison Square Garden (7/30/2003)

Leave a comment

Logo - Iron Maiden

Artist: Iron Maiden
Venue: Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)
Opener: Dio & Motorhead
Label: EMI Music
Date: 07/30/2003

This past July, the famous Madison Square Garden arena in New York City saw the appearance of three of Heavy Metal’s most senior titans. Iron Maiden came to visit and brought Dio and Motorhead with them.

Starting the night off was Motorhead. Now, I thought they were terrific but for some reason there was not yet a full house for them. People were still milling about and getting beers from the concession stands instead of supporting this classic act. By my recollection, I don’t think Motorhead had ever played the Garden so I was surprised at the lackluster response from fans. To their credit, Lemmy and crew rumbled through tunes like “Killed By Death” and “Iron Fist”. Since they were in NYC, Lemmy made mention to dedicate a song for Dee Dee and Joey Ramone who the punk music scene had lost over the past two years. The song was “R.A.M.O.N.E.S.” which I think can be found on the Ramones Tribute album that was recently released. If I am incorrect, please pardon the flub. There was another highlight for me when drummer Mickey Dee (formerly of King Diamond) did an excellent drum solo. lotsa power behind this guy he is one of the best Metal Drummers we have going. Their set was a little over 30 minutes and before you knew it they were done. Loud and Fast, Solid and Heavy that is one thing I love most about Motorhead music.
Continue reading Iron Maiden @ Madison Square Garden (7/30/2003) →